When was the last time you saw a demonstration of a new product or tried a new software solution? How was your experience?
Let’s imagine that your favourite vendor has just offered you a free 30-day trial of their latest and greatest software. So you probably go to their website and downloaded the application. Finally, the file has been downloaded. And that is just the first step of your afternoon project. You start the installation wizard and start clicking through the installation wizard. After entering all requested details, you get an ‘unknown’ error message suggesting to contact your administrator. You are an experienced technical person so you check release notes on the vendor’s website. Ahh, known issue number 199 suggests: “Please ensure you installed all mandatory components before starting the installation wizard.” Think Java, Flash, Silverlight or .NET Framework. That requires another download from the internet. Twenty-five minutes later you are all set and ready to launch the app for the first time. Your coffee or a nice cup of tea is already cold by this time… And then 30 days later the “Buy now” button pops up.
Does that sound familiar to you?
Over 150 active dCloud demos and increasing every week
The above scenario is actually inspired by one of my previous roles. And believe me that was not the worst experience at all 😉 It usually gets worse as you start adding more components and integrating multiple systems. Notice there hasn’t been any hardware involved. Shipping itself would probably take another 3 or 4 business days.
Cisco dCloud offers an alternative
Several teams here at Cisco worked hard to build a platform which would address all the above issues. After several months of actively using Cisco dCloud I dare to say they have done a fantastic job. You will love it, trust me!
Cisco dCloud provides over 150 unique ready-to-use enterprise grade demos of Cisco solutions and products. Using your web browser, you can simply connect to the demo from anywhere and start exploring the solution. The only thing you need are your Cisco.com credentials.
Demo Guide walks you through the demo
The beauty of dCloud is that all demos are live and pre-configured. All the installation and configuration works have been completed by the Cisco dCloud team for you, so you can enjoy the scenario and business outcomes demonstrated rather than wasting your time configuring individual components. Every single demo comes with a topology diagram so you can get familiar with all its elements. You also get a Demo Guide which walks you through the demo.
Note that you can click the Remote desktop button to connect to the demo using your web browser. Simple as that.
Optionally remote AnyConnect VPN connection from your laptop is supported. If you need physical connectivity between your office and the dCloud demo, that is also possible, using Cisco ISR 800 Series router and secure VPN connection.
Use the Remote Desktop button to connect to your demo
All dCloud infrastructure is hosted in 4 large data centres around the world. Scalability is built into dCloud so you can start a simple demo of a single product or run a complex lab with many components. To support the demand and provide enough power this demands literally tons of hardware, software, licenses and 3rd party products as well. But all the complexity is hidden from you so that you can get the most out of your time.
You can access and interact with the live demos and even change the configuration if needed – anytime, from anywhere in the world. dCloud is great for demonstrations but it is also very useful tool for trainings.
I hope you see that dCloud goes far beyond the ’30-day trial’ example which I described earlier. Instead of giving you a free ride in a luxury car we are giving you the keys and full tank as well.
I am interested. How much is that?
The best thing about dCloud is that the cost is completely covered by Cisco. So, yes, it is FREE of charge to you.
Get started today!
Connect from anywhere and enjoy your live demo
To get access to dCloud and the latest technology please contact your Cisco Account Manager or Systems Engineer. Optionally you can contact the Cisco Partner of your choice. For latest additions, suggestions or questions follow @CiscodCloud on Twitter. They are a passionate team!
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